Consumer Confidential: Funky phone fees, donation app, pizza galore

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Here’s your trippingly Tuesday roundup of consumer news from around the Web:

--You know those extra charges that mysteriously appear on your phone bill from time to time? The Federal Trade Commission says it found one company, Inc21, that allegedly bilked thousands of people and small business outs of millions of dollars by attaching fees of up to $40 to phone bills for services that were never ordered. The FTC shut down Inc21 and its various affiliates. But that doesn’t mean your phone bill is safe. So-called crammers are still widespread, and this company was just a drop in the bucket.

--Speaking of phones, you’re probably thinking that the big problem with wireless technology is that it’s too darned hard to give money to members of Congress. Well, not any more. A new app, Visible Vote, allows smart-phone users to quickly and easily donate cash to the lawmaker of their choice. Now all we need is an app that, say, sends an electric shock to those same lawmakers any time they’re caught obstructing healthcare reform or dickering over the most pathetic political maneuvers.

--And for all those who prefer their economic indicators with pepperonis and mushrooms, here’s word from our friends at Domino’s Pizza Inc.: The company’s quarterly profit more than doubled as recession-weary consumers turned for solace to fatty, not-so-good-for-you crusty concoctions. Domino’s says a new recipe pushed sales higher. I say: Any excuse for some pizza.

-- David Lazarus